On Sunday, February 22, Team USA men’s hockey pulled off an overtime victory over Team Canada with a 2-1 final score. Following the win, congratulations flowed in from around the world for the Hughes brothers, Jack and Quinn Hughes, as well as the full team for their effort.
“The drought is over,” Team USA shared on X after the win. “ The men of USA Hockey are golden at the Winter Olympics for the first time since 1980.”
“After Team USA and Canada played to a 1-1 tie at the end of the regulation, the rivals went to overtime, and that’s where Hughes became a national hero,” Austin Nivison of CBS News stated in a reaction piece. “On an odd-man rush for the United States, Zach Werenski found Hughes cruising down the week side, and the New Jersey Devils star beat Jordan Binnington with a perfect shot to the far post.”
He added, “Connor Hellebuyck was outstanding in goal for the Americans, standing on his head to keep his team in the game long enough for Hughes to win it.”
Jack and Quinn Hughes Are a ‘National Treasure’
Much of the praise online was directed at Jack and Quinn Hughes, the brothers on the ice. “Jack and Quinn Hughes both scoring goals in overtime when it mattered most,” one said. “Jack and Quinn Hughes there is a franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina that typically enjoys employing brothers, you guys should look into that,” another said.
“Jack and Quinn Hughes are American hockey heroes. Both drilled OT winners for Team USA in the Olympics. This gold medal game was hockey at its best,” one more added. “How does it feel like to win gold together with your sibling, what a moment for jack and Quinn Hughes,” another stated.
“As I’ve said all tournament I think Canada’s poor defensive transitions and goaltending are the big difference. Quinn gives an entirely new look to the blue line for USA. Canada might have the better offensive creators, but this time around Jack and Quinn Hughes stepping up is a whole new look. Just a much better defensive team for USA. Good luck,” one follower stated.
“Jack and Quinn Hughes were absolutely lights out all Olympics. Connor Hellebuyck played the game of his life. What a game. First gold since 1980 and 3rd ever unbelievable. USA,” another stated. “Jack and Quinn Hughes combined for 15 points in 6 games. Tremendous,” one more chimed in.
Jack Hughes Talks After Gold-Winning Game and Goal
“This is all about our country. I love the USA, I love our teammates,” Jack Hughes said after the win, according to NBC News. “I’m so proud to be American today.”
Hughes added of goalie Connor Hellebuyck, “Unbelievable game by Hellebuyck, he was our best player by a mile. Just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. Tonight was all for the country.”
He also said that the U.S wanted to play Canada to get the gold, stating, “That’s exactly how we wanted it to go. We wanted to go through Canada and beat them.”
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